Moyzes: Symphonies Nos. 9 & 10

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Slovák, Ladislav

8.573654

Reedycja, dawniej: 8.225092. Alexander Moyzes is considered one of the leading composers of his generation, his style skilfully fusing inspiration from both his Slovakian heritage and contemporary European trends. The premiere of his Ninth Symphony took place in 1971, only three years after the Soviet-led invasion of his homeland, and the work’s dark and dramatic atmosphere depicts the tragedy and hopelessness of this period. By contrast, the serene colours of the Tenth Symphony avoid political connotations, and the piece is stylistically typical of the composer’s last decade in its technical virtuosity, formal elegance and brilliant artistic design. ● Alexander Moyzes is probably best known for his symphonies, this is volume four in a series of re-issues from the Marco Polo label. These releases remain as the only easily accessible reference, and with recordings and performances that still sound fresh and invigorating we felt it was time for a revival. ● Of the original release, International Record Review concluded that ‘Ladislav Slovák, who died in 1999, does Moyzes as proud in [this release] as in the previous recordings in the cycle: reliable playing; good sound.’ ClassicsToday.com admired the two symphonies: ‘Symphony No. 9, written in the early 1970s, is a dark, gloomily introspective piece, uncannily suggestive of late Shostakovich. [The album] effectively contains the music’s wide dynamic range… In complete contrast, Moyzes’ Symphony No. 10 (1977–78) is a broadly confident four-movement work. The style is straightforward, lyrical, and uncomplicated…’ ● Conductor Ladislav Slovák was a long-time director of the Slovak Philharmonic, taking over the post from Václav Talich. Alongside Moyzes he recorded the complete symphonies of Shostakovich for Naxos with this orchestra. These were acclaimed in their day by Classic CD as ‘excellently gripping performances’, and DB Magazine declaring ‘one to seriously rival the ruling Rozhdestvensky and Haitink versions’ while commenting on Symphonies Nos. 2 and 15 (8.550624).

CD x 1

Naxos

04/02/2019

0747313365470